Postmodernism - My Way

Protect the Animals!

On December 11, 2008, the Bush administration eliminated the Endangered Species Act. For most Americans, this action does not effect them in any way. However, all of the Americans who are aware of the environment and the fragile state of the Earth’s ecosystems know that this action is going to have a dramatic effect on our surroundings. The Endangered Species Act works to protect animals from becoming endangered or extinct. John Kostyack of Wildlife and Global Warming for the National Wildlife Federation stated, “This action eviscerates key protections that have helped safeguard and recover endangered fish, wildlife and plants for the past 35 years” (Wildlife Promise). Without this act, federal agencies don’t have to consult with independent scientists when making decisions regarding the environment.

I believe that the Bush administration has made a terrible mistake in eliminating the Endangered Species Act. Not only will environmentalists be angry but they will also have to deal with the numerous organizations that work to protect endangered animals. Getting rid of the scientists’ opinions when making decisions will take away vital information. Kostyack stated, “Knocking them [independent scientists] out of the decision-making process will erode the foundation of this bedrock law and make it significantly harder to protect endangered species” (Wildlife Promise). It is also ridiculous that the Bush administration chose this to be one of their last actions as an active administration. The Endangered Species Act hurts no one except the politicians who want to have the power to do whatever they want without taking under consideration the dramatic effects of their decisions.

To show your support for protecting America’s wildlife, you can sign the Endangered Species Act Legacy Pledge. Over 200,000 citizens have already voiced their opinion in protecting our fellow animals. With the pledge, the National Wildlife Federation will work towards undoing the Bush administration’s decision. The federation is hoping that with the help of the Congress and Obama administration, we can once again protect the endangered species that exist in the United States. I believe that the Endangered Species Act will be put into action again with the help and support of the aware citizens in America.

Crossing Guards for Endangered Species

According to PlanetSave.org, at least four Northern Atlantic right whales die of shipping accidents every year. At first, that number may seem small compared to the death toll of any other animal but considering that the total population of whales is around three hundred and fifty, four whales a year can be drastic. The top cause of death for whales is collision with vessels. Many animal rights and environmental groups are outraged at the utter disregard from many shipping companies. A lawsuit was settled today in federal courts “… with the US Coast Guard, which agreed to abide by the Endangered Species Act which requires that shipping lanes do not put critically endangered Northern Atlantic right whales in harm’s way” (PlanetSave.org). The Coast Guard is now responsible for monitoring three major shipping lanes in Delaware Bay, Chesapeake Bay and Cape Fear. The environmental groups hope that the monitoring will lower the likelihood of collisions with the endangered whales and lead to further increases in their population.

Unfortunately, there are countless species that are endangered. While environmental groups try their best to protect these animals, their habitats are being destroyed due to both natural and human causes. I see this as a tragedy for animals as well as humans. Species are becoming endangered and humans continue to destroy our planet. People are well aware of global warming and excessive petroleum usage but what about the beings that don’t have a voice? Habitats are destroyed so that we can build malls and apartment buildings. The animals that live there don’t have any sort of power to protect their habitats so they just get forced out. Many are killed by machines that we use during construction. People need to be more aware of their actions and how they affect not only humans but our fellow animals as well. Many organizations exist to raise awareness and help support extinct species. Numerous celebrities endorse these organizations and help prevent the destruction of habitats. I believe that these animals deserve the safety of their ecosystems and it is wrong for us to take it away. To learn more about protecting wildlife, visit Defenders.org.